Scaling design and similarity analysis of a floating nuclear power plant

Abstract

In the process of developing floating reactor systems, their operation in the marine environment needs to be simulated to ensure the reliability of the safe design of nuclear reactors. Scaling test is a potential option for computer model validation by virtue of its low cost and flexibility. This study first gives the similarity law for dynamic tests of the reactor system in high-temperature environments by dimensional analysis. Then we focus on analyzing the jamming phenomenon that may occur during the similarity design process and provides a solution for realizing the contact state of the prototype in the scaled model. This study also analyzes the dynamic response of a floating reactor system under extreme operating conditions by combining numerical simulations and scaling tests. By comparing the response results predicted by the scaled model with the prototype response, it is further demonstrated that the feasibility of scaling test as an alternative to full-size test to provide a reference for realizing low-cost, accurate and safe design for reactor system.